Art Insights — Morning In The Mountains by Caspar David Friedrich

The motif of this painting goes in a slightly different direction than most of the artworks by Caspar David Friedrich. One of the features of his Romanticism paintings was the Rückenfigur — a person seen from behind, contemplating the view. Morning In The Mountains presents more freedom in this regard, the view is clear, and there is no back in front.

Friedrich did this on purpose giving the viewer’s eye a clear picture without imposing the view that the figures in his other works had to see. The viewer can choose the mood and the sentiments that this mountainous landscape presents — amazement, peace, or philosophical thoughts. There are no borders and limits. The viewer can imagine himself on the top of the mountain, enjoying the fresh air same as those two figures of shepherds, keeping an eye on their herd.

It is what the Romanticism period artists brought with their movement — a stronger sense of freedom, beauty, and admiration for the pure sights of nature.

Morning in the mountains (1823) by Caspar David Friedrich. Oil on canvas, 135 cm x 170 cm. Source: WIkipedia Commons.

Friedrich takes his viewer to the top of the mountain — up to the highest peak where he can enjoy these incredible sights. The peaks of these mountains have slight similarities to sea waves that have been stopped for a moment while being covered in clouds and light mist. Still, this is not some kind of a fantasy scene. Friedrich often traveled to similar locations and got plenty of inspiration for his works in these mountainous areas.Friedrich takes his viewer to the top of the mountain — up to the highest peak where he can enjoy these incredible sights. The peaks of these mountains have slight similarities to sea waves that have been stopped for a moment while being covered in clouds and light mist. Still, this is not some kind of a fantasy scene. Friedrich often traveled to similar locations and got plenty of inspiration for his works in these mountainous areas.

His depiction of fog seems very natural. You cannot see the fog up close nearby your feet, but if you set your sight further, it becomes visible. The way the fog has covered the mountains in this painting — also represents the real-life scenery. Since it is morning, there is a feeling that soon shepherds are going to feel the warmth of the sun. The sunset is approaching. You can see some rays of the sun already making their way above the peaks of the mountains. Friedrich loved to embody various deep meanings and symbolism in his works. The morning is a new beginning, a symbolic birth of a new day. The mood here is clearly an uplifting one.

The way Friedrich depicted the sky is very calming. The mix of various tones looks organic, and there are no vivid colors that would stand out and scream about something. The color changes its tones slowly, without any strong contrasts. It matches the peaceful scenery and idyllic mood Friedrich wanted to present to the viewer’s eye. It is one of those paintings that does not need any rush. The viewer can look at its details for a long time. It fits the enjoy the art idea.

Years later, Friedrich presented another painting, known as the Giant Mountains. Before sunrise in the mountains. It is another depiction of the Giant Mountains. Oil on canvas, 72 cm x 102 cm. Source: Wikipedia Commons.

This Friedrich’s artwork did not gain much fame, but it does not take away any value from it. The father of Romanticism presented a beautiful depiction of the Giant Mountains (located on the border of the Czech Republic and Poland). Those are the home of the Elbe river, where it takes its beginning.

The Morning In The Mountains was later purchased by the Russian Emperor Alexander II, and the artwork ended up in the exhibitions of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.

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